Saint Mary's Clinica Santa Maria throws a shower for some of its expectant moms

GRAND RAPIDS — Expectant mothers were invited to celebrate their baby bumps with the staff at the Saint Mary’s Clinica Santa Maria.

The clinic’s first collective baby shower on Thursday, coined “Celebrating Mom” was a night of pampering and preparing mothers for their new additions.

And it came complete with the requisite shower games.

“Come on, come on,” clinical assistant Carolyn Minaya laughed as she and two other assistants encouraged the blindfolded, soon-to-be moms as they ran their fingers through bowls of rice, searching for safety pins. The winner with the most pins was handed a prize.

Nancy Pagan, who works in the clinic’s business office, knows the shower was more than just a nicety for some of the women. Some of the clients don’t have proper maternity wear or winter boots.

“A lot of times people say ‘Oh, that’s too bad,’ and keep walking and I didn’t want to do that,” Pagan said.

She started asking for help, and the Frey Foundation underwrote the shower with a $2,000 donation.

Pagan and her team searched for sales and cost-effective gifts so they could stretch the guest list. The clinic invited all of their obstetric patients who are due to deliver between February and June.

“I haven’t heard from other clinics that do this for their patients,” said Cinthia Martinez, who is expecting a baby girl.

Martinez won a package of baby clothing after chugging down a bottle of apple juice before her opponents could.

Baskets of blankets, bottles and basic needs — and hand and foot massages — were given to the about 35 guests who attended.

Beside providing material needs, clinic manager JoAnn Gorby said the shower’s educational emphasis was just as beneficial. Pediatricians, a dermatologist, and other professionals were on hand to chat about immunization, lactation, and other baby concerns.

“It’s an opportunity for the mothers to have a one-on-one with providers without feeling intimidated,” she said.

“It’s nice to have something like this,” said Dominga Velasquez, whose baby girl is due any day. “I feel appreciated.”

A stroller, a car seat, a playpen, and six other grand prizes were raffled off to guests.
Pagan says the donated funds not used for the shower will go toward other mothers in need.

The clinic at 730 Grandville Ave. SW is one of four Saint Mary’s HealthLink Community Health Centers and is focused on catering to the Hispanic community. The clinic is staffed by 30 volunteer physicians and staff members.